Politics

Civil Society in Turkey

Asterix of Bergama's Struggle against the Authorities

As the leader of a grassroots movement against the planned mining of gold reserves, Oktay Konyar has been fighting for over ten years. So far, he and his fellow activists have been able to halt the highly toxic mining practices. By Susanne Güsten
Presidential Elections in Iran

Hashemi Rafsanjani – The Least Common Denominator

Out of a lack of alternatives, even reformists are pinning their hopes on Hashemi Rafsanjani to shore up the moribund political system, running on a platform of despotism combined with economic liberalism. An analysis by Faraj Sarkohi
EU Dialogue with Islamists

Hamas and Hizbullah Key to Mideast Peace?

In mid-April, the EU Foreign Ministers decided to resume dialogue relations with Islamist organizations. Rightly so, argues Islam expert Michael Lüders, stressing it would be shortsighted to view Hamas and Hizbullah only as terrorist organizations.
National Land Policy in Israel

Jews and Palestinians Protest Jewish National Fund

Israeli and Arab human rights activists see Israel's land policy as a form of discrimination against the Palestinian minority. Now they are going to Israel's Supreme Court to sue for equal treatment. Joseph Croitoru has the story
Central Asian Republics

A Balancing Act between Democracy and Islam

What role does Islam play in the Central Asian republics? What progress has been made in the democratization process and how does the EU fit into the picture? An interview with Reinhard Krumm, director of the Central Asian Office of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Analysis Fred Halliday

Sudan between War and Politics

In Khartoum, Middle East expert Fred Halliday of the London School of Economics assesses the future of an Islamic regime relieved by peace in southern Sudan, pressed by the International Criminal Court over Darfur, and seeking a political road beyond revolution
The Press in the Maghrib

Between a Rock (Censorship) and a Hard Place (Prison)

From Mauritania to Egypt not a day goes by without journalists being harassed because of their work. To mark the International Day of the Freedom of the Press, the Algerian journalist and author Hamid Skif sums up the situation.
Turkey and Armenia

"This Is None of Europe's Business"

The Armenian Genocide has increasingly become a factor in Turkey's EU accession talks. In Turkey, even high-ranking officials say the EU position is a typical attack of Western arrogance on Turkish national pride and honour. Dorian Jones reports
Fareena Alam

Five Principles for Islam's Future

Islam can move beyond its association with oppression and violence by being true to itself and its past, says Fareena Alam. In her article, she argues for a promotion of spirituality and morality, and for the separation of state and church
The International Association of Muslim Scholars

Yusuf al-Qaradawi and the Foundation of a "Global Muslim Authority"

The International Association of Muslim Scholars aims to be an alternative to the global network of radical Islamists. Yusuf al-Qaradawi, often referred to as the most influential contemporary Sunni scholar, is one of the founders. Bettina Gräf reports
EU Agreement with Syria

Still Reaching Out

While the USA is keeping up the pressure on Syria, Europe is still working to intensify relations, with the EU partnership agreement. Following the elections in Lebanon, the last hurdle is coming up: the approval of all 25 of the EU's foreign ministers. By Manuela Römer
Germany

Authorities at Odds over Rally of Exiled Iranians

A regional administrative court in Berlin has overruled a decision by local police in Berlin to ban a rally of exiled Iranian resistance fighters. The decisive question of the row is: how closely linked are the demonstration's organisers to the People's Mujahideen? Hardy Graupner reports